Scale Systems and Large-Scale Form in the Music of Yes

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between diatonic modal systems and form in the music of the progressive-rock band Yes. Within, I discuss the band’s approach to scalar modulation, referencing key signatures and the concept of scalar voice leading. The study concludes with the analysis of four extended pieces by Yes, which demonstrates the applicability of the theoretical modal to matters of large-scale tonality and formal articulation.